On June 11, 1992, a Mooney M20J (registration N302FW) operated by Berner, Louis A. Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Bloomington, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL DURING THE TURN FROM BASE LEG TO FINAL APPROACH. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A 69-year-old pilot returning from a business trip entered a tight, close-in traffic pattern for Runway 3. Witnesses reported the aircraft was abnormally low and executed a steep left turn before descending into a residential area. No pre-impact mechanical failure or pilot incapacitation was found.
Flight Details
The 69-year-old pilot was returning from a business trip and entered a right-hand traffic pattern for Runway 3 at the home base airport. The flight appeared to be routine up to that point.
Witness Observations
Multiple witnesses described the traffic pattern as very tight and close-in, with the aircraft lower than the normal pattern altitude, estimated at 400 feet above ground. Witnesses reported that the nose of the airplane was tilting slightly upward before the airplane entered a steep, knife-edge left turn and descended rapidly toward the ground.
Impact and Investigation
The airplane impacted terrain in a residential area southwest of the airport. Post-accident investigation revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunction or pilot incapacitation.